Liquid level change sensor

ABSTRACT

A liquid level change indicator is described as an apparatus, which generates a visual indication when a liquid level in a controlled vessel has changed and indicates amount of change for a timed period. Operation of the instrument entails positioning the apparatus in the liquid containment vessel from a support chain. Positioning, is accomplished by a course chain adjustment, followed by a fine-threaded-nut adjustment. A float centering itself in a concentric circle sight gauge indicates initial correct monitoring position. Deviation from the bulls eye of the concentric ring site gauge constitutes a liquid level change. Each concentric ring indicates a larger level change relative to the innermost sight ring per unit test time.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Provisional Application date Jun. 18, 2001 jc973 U.S. PTO60/298643

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

[0003] Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Liquid level sensors have been disclosed using magnetic, pressureor acoustical parameters for producing a sensible output. This inventionembodies a sensible optical output driven by a float displacementrepresenting liquid level change.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] A liquid level change indicator is described as an apparatus,which generates a visual indication when a liquid level in a controlledvessel has changed and indicates amount of change for a timed period.Operation of the instrument entails positioning the apparatus in theliquid containment vessel from a support chain. Positioning isaccomplished by a course chain adjustment followed by afine-threaded-nut adjustment. A float centering itself in a concentriccircle sight gauge indicates initial correct monitoring position.

[0006] Deviation from the bulls eye of the concentric ring site gaugeconstitutes a liquid level change. Each concentric ring indicates alarger level change relative to the innermost sight ring per unit testtime. The principle of operation depends on the forces of buoyancy andcenter of gravity as opposed by gravity. Liquid level changes, unbalancethese forces and reposition the float against a calibrated scaledisplaying, the magnitude of liquid level change.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0007]FIG. 1 is a side view of the Liquid Level Change Sensor supportedin vessel to monitor liquid leak rate.

[0008]FIG. 2 is a top view of the optical sight with concentric ringsthat measure level change as the instrument is in use. The level changeis visually read from the concentric circles of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Referring to FIG. 1, containment vessel 10, is filled with fluidto the surface of liquid level 7. The Liquid Level Sensor body, an opentube 11, is elevated in the containment vessel 10, by bifurcated support5, and chain 4. The instruments elevation is maintained by chain 4, ofthe apparatus and containment vessel's cross member 3. Coarsepositioning of the instrument in the containment vessel 10, isaccomplished by the attachment of support member 3, to the fineadjustment threaded rod 1, threaded on the threaded nut 2.

[0010] Referring to FIG. 2, the user sees the sensible level changeindication on concentric circles printed on clear plastic scale 1, bymovement of the end of the float, FIG. 1, 8, that is connected to floatconnecting rod FIG. 1, 9.

[0011] Referring to FIG. 1, any change in liquid level 7, is amplifiedby float connecting rod 9, driven by the displacement of the float 8,around the centering cross rod 13, connected by swivel 12. Swivel 14, isused to maintain center of buoyancy of float and center of gravity asfloat moves outward.

1. A liquid level change instrument comprising: a. an instrument housinghaving a float attached to a rod that moves in an arc proportional toliquid level change, b. a means to lower said instrument to liquidsurface so that float is positioned in dynamic range, c. a means toadjust position of said instrument at zero reference position, d. ameans to indicate amount of liquid level change over time. a. aninstrument housing having a float attached to a rod that moves in an arcproportional to liquid level change, b. a means to lower said instrumentto liquid surface so that float is positioned in dynamic range, c. ameans to adjust position of said instrument at zero reference position,d. a means to indicate amount of liquid level change over time.